The Lodestar

This little verse demands that Christians be different from the world in their relationships. As a rule, we treat those who have been nice to us nicely. The world's people love those who love them; they do good to those who do good to them and lend only to those who can pay back (Luke 6:32—34). Jesus concluded the list of things people usually do by saying, “Even sinners lend to sinners” (Luke 6:34), meaning that this is the expected behaviour even in a sinful society; there is no price for these feats.

Jesus told his disciples that Christian morality has to be higher than that of the best people in this world. “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 5:20). The Lord wants us not to meet the standards of the world; the moral standard of the world is only a starting point, not the goal for the Christian.

Christians must exceed the standards of this world and be more than pleasant, easy-to-get-along people. What is the higher standard they aim at? “Be merciful” is a command that is followed by the model to follow in doing mercy, “even as your Father is merciful.”

The way of the world involves giving under compulsion, caring as an obligation, or helping only those who can help us. But the way of the Kingdom of God follows God's nature, being merciful to everyone at all times.

When God's righteousness reorients Christ-followers, they run against the grain of this world to make it a better place. The challenge lies in extending kindness and offering it unconditionally, mirroring the boundless love God shows us. This means loving those who are unlovable, forgiving those who have not apologised, and giving freely without expecting anything in return. It is a radical departure from the world's transactional practices, a path paved with mercy that leads to a transformed world.

Today, identify one person who doesn’t deserve your kindness—an antagonist, critic, or stranger in need. Perform a specific act of mercy: send an encouraging message, offer practical help, or pray earnestly for their breakthrough.

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